I believe he was saying a length for every 10 mph of speed which, I believe,
is legal, in optimum conditions.

That dirty air is one reason I stopped drafting.  Too close and it's
dangerous, too far and it's useless, to me.

On 6/21/08, dylan friedman <insyncro@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> sorry, one car length is in the trucks "dirty air" and not helping you.
> You would have to be inside the envelope of his draft to gain any benefit.
> I don't believe that your trip computer had enough time to even computer a
> true estimate of savings.
> Also, a V70XC does not have anywhere near the drag of a Vanagon.
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Jack R. <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 8:42:53 AM
> Subject: Re: Drafting for better MPG
>
> OK... I get it!  However, even in keeping 1 car/van length for each
> 10mph...
> I get at least a 10% improvement behind a good long and tall semi.  I can
> see his mirrors, so he can see me!  Again, this was tested with an instant
> MPG readout on my Volvo V70XC.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Mike
> Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 8:26 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Drafting for better MPG
>
> It's not the stopping distance that's a problem in causing a tailgater
> rear-end collision.  It's reaction time, and lack of being able to
> anticipate a sudden issue.  That's why tail-gating is illegal, even if you
> attempt to explain to the officer (and the judge) that you were just
> 'NASCAR
> drafting' in an ill-concieved attempt to improve gas mileage.
> Plus, if the tractor-trailer hits an immoveable object (like a bridge
> abutment, or a large vehicle pulling out in front of it, normal braking
> stopping distances are irrelevant.
> Come on, people!  Where's the common sense in all this?  An intelligent
> person wouldn't dream of partaking in such a risky and stupid act.  You
> have
> too much to lose.
>
> Mike B.
>
> > 3.) If you are paying attention, you will not end up as a rear bumper
> > ornament on a semi. Stopping distance for a 40,000 lb truck is a bit
> > longer than a 4,000 lb van.
>

--
Neil2
'82 Diesel Westy (Duckie)